Oregon Coast Icon Closes: Gift Shop Atop Cape Foulweather Restoration

Published 02/01/25 at 6:16 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon) – An Oregon coast icon is shut down as it begins a major restoration project. The historic gift shop building atop Cape Foulweather is going under the knife starting in February and shuddered at least through June. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) said the famed construct at Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint will get work on its structural integrity, as well as work to preserve the building's historical character and increase its accessibility features.

OPRD said there will be limited to no parking at times at Otter Crest while the project goes on.

"The Lookout at Cape Foulweather" gift shop, established in 1937 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, holds historical significance for its role in early tourism along the Oregon Coast Highway and its association with U.S. Coast Guard operations during World War II.

See why Depoe Bay is made of rounded basalt.

The $917,000 project's first phase includes:

Photo OPRD

- Exterior repairs and replacement of the roof, windows, and siding to address the aging building envelope
- Restoration of the façade's character using siding materials similar to the original building
- Structural repairs to strengthen the foundation and walls
- Enhancements to safety and accessibility through improved entrances

"Generations of visitors have stopped at this little shop to pick up souvenirs and take in the panoramic views from 450 feet up. This work will help preserve the historic building for generations to come," said Historic Architecture Project Manager Jenny Wilder.

The second phase will kick in winter of 2025 at a cost of approximately $500,000, focusing on upgrading the gift shop's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to improve accessibility.

Did you know Cape Foulweather is not a volcano? There have been rumors to that effect over the decades, but they were disproved long ago.

The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department includes protecting and sharing historic structures like the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop for the enjoyment and education of present and future visitors to the Oregon coast. See the Otter Crest Loop, Oregon Coast - Complete Guide, Hiking, History, Sights

“Each biennium, the department spends some of its project funds on historic restoration and maintenance,” OPRD said. “Upcoming projects also include the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and Hughes House at Cape Blanco State Park.”

Oregon Coast Landmark Goes Under the Knife: Yaquina Bay Lighthouse Closes for 6 Months

For more information and updates about the project, visit the park page.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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